Alternatively, applicants can fulfil one of the following requirements with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements, and other academic requirements for the program:

Complete secondary education qualifications equivalent to SACE, or

Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points, or

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or

Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above, or

Qualify for Special Entry, or

Complete a University Foundation Studies program

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

Gain a well-respected qualification that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

This degree is also nationally recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

12015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Snapshot

This double degree provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology as it relates to the human services sector. You will study a range of topics, including:

behavioural and social sciences

human behaviour

critical and analytical skills

research and data analysis

project management

social policy

Through a range of theoretical and practical learning you will gain a sound understanding of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and will be equipped with the skills needed to work in a diverse range of fields. You will also gain practical experience during the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

What you'll need

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed. You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

This double degree will set you apart from your competitors – and it can be achieved with only one extra year of study.

You will learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers, and gain hands-on experience in our on-campus Social Work Studios. In the custom-built studios you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work and learn from your experiences. You will also build workplace networks when you undertake field education placements.

You will graduate with a strong understanding of psychological issues, which will open up additional and more diverse employment opportunities.

Real-world connections

As part of your studies you will complete 560 hours of work experience during two supervised field education placements in a range of local, rural and international settings. This real-world experience is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry relationships. In fact, students are often employed by the agencies in which they do their placements. You will also work alongside real-world practitioners and academics in our Social Work Studios.

Your career

A career in the human services sector requires a strong interest in human behaviour; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, to be compassionate, understanding and patient. If you think you’ve got what it takes, the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region

community services worker: work with individuals and groups in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation and social work

counsellor: work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems

policy development officer: this is an advisory role where you will be responsible for analysing data and advising policymakers

social researcher: plan, design, conduct, manage and report on a range of social topics, including crime, healthcare, social services and unemployment

youth worker: provide practical and emotional support to children and young people

family support worker: provide assistance and guidance to children and families in need; family support workers are often employed by adoption agencies, protective service agencies, or family services organisations

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates will have completed an APAC accredited undergraduate sequence which will allow them to go on to further study in psychology to satisfy the requirements for registration as a psychologist and eligibility for membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.

Industry facts

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Employment for social and welfare professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 19,600 (15.6 per cent) by November 20201.

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s1.

1Australian Government Department of Employment 2017

What you'll learn

Graduates of this double degree will be well equipped to deal with the contemporary issues facing human service professionals. You will study a balance of courses in psychology and human services. The following areas of study are a key focus:

behavioural and social sciences

human behaviour

critical and analytical skills

research and data analysis

project management

social policy

You may also be given the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist psychology courses, including Advanced Research Methods, Conservation Psychology, and Work and Organisational Psychology.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. There may be essays, assignments and examinations. You could also expect:

case studies

projects

e-portfolios

portfolios

journals

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Rules

1. Students enrolled in Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or Bachelor of Psychological Science programs are eligible to apply for internal transfer into this award.

2. Field Education consists of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the fourth year and after completion of all third year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week.

3. All students are required to have undertaken a national criminal history check and screening through the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) for working with Children, Aged, Disability and Vulnerable people and to have completed a 1 day Child Safe Environments Course. Some placements may require students to hold a current drivers licence and recognised First Aid Certificate.

4. Students who qualify for credit must complete at least 36 units from each of the contributing degrees (ie a total of at least 72 units).

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a diverse range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.

2. The program is four years of full-time study but may also be studied part-time.

3. Specialist Psychology Courses are selected from those listed in the Specialist Psychology Course list above (subject to prerequisites) and are subject to student demand and availability.

4. Students planning to apply for Honours in Psychology, either at UniSA or another Australian university, must successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Courses BEHL 3005 Advanced Research Methods and BEHL 4003 Psychological Assessment.

5. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the honours degree program in psychology, the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours); or alternatively the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.

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I have a background working in community development, State Government and as a senior political advisor in Australia’s Commonwealth Parliament; I have also coordinated and delivered human services-related research and have helped to identify critical social issues in remote Australian communities. I am passionate about education and social justice.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarship search page for more.

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

International Merit Scholarship

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Magill

Magill is a quick drive, cycle or bus trip from the city. On campus there are TV, radio and sound studios, social work studios, a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, a psychology clinic, a language lab, a journalism newsroom, a theatre, a gym and a swimming pool. It’s only a short walk to local shops.
Explore Magill >

Your study spaces

You will have access to two state-of-the art Social Work Studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.

checklist

Eligibility for credit

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Life in Adelaide

Your study experience

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Ask UniSA

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.